Interview with Dana Davis [danadavis] on Whohub

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What did you first read? How did you begin to write? Who were the first to read what you wrote?

The first stories I remember reading were a collection of Grimm's Fairytales my mother used to read to me as a small child. They were the original, scary ones and I loved them! I was always writing something, sometimes really bad somethings. I loved creative writing classes at school, so I would have to say my teachers were the first to read my stuff. Now, hubby gets first read.

What is your favorite genre? Can you provide a link to a site where we can read some of your work or learn something about it?

Oh, I love speculative fiction. And for anyone unfamiliar with that term, it's an umbrella for fantasy/sci-fi/horror/paranormal and all genres/subgenres that fall within or under those. For more about me and my work, please visit http://www.danadaviswriting.com

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

Haha, well my creative process is a bit like a cyclone of ideas swirling inside my head, with a lot of little doors that lead to other worlds. When one of those doors opens, the world flows out and the characters usually follow right away, clamoring for my attention. It's crazy in there! If anyone ever got inside my head, they'd probably never find a way out.

What type of reading inspires you to write?

Just about anything from the speculative fiction novels I read to the morning newspaper. I can find inspiration just about anyplace.

What well known writers do you admire most?

Oh, gosh, I have a whole list so I'll just name a few here. Mary Gentle for keeping me turning the pages of alternative history. I really didn't enjoy history in school, unless it involved dinosaurs, so that says a lot about her writing. David Eddings because his character of Aunt Pol actually haunted my dreams a few times, telling me off when I was acting like an idiot in real life. Not every writer can create someone so real. Anne Rice for getting me hooked on witches again - I wrote about the Salem witch trials in middle school. And Alastair Reynolds for keeping sci-fi interesting and fresh. And a shout out to my ex-prof Sheila Finch for inspiring me in the classroom!

Are you equally good at telling stories orally?

Heck no! I suck at telling a story out loud. I can read my work once it's finished but there's so much chaos in my head that I can't just tell a story cold. An orator I'm not.

Deep down inside, who do you write for?

Okay, if I'm truly honest here, I write for myself. I can't seem to stop writing and don't want to. I'm thrilled when others enjoy my worlds.

Is writing a form of personal therapy? Are internal conflicts a creative force?

Yes, yes and a big fat yes! I think my head would explode if I didn't write. Inner and outer conflicts sometimes get addressed in my writing. So if you're that person who stands in the 10 item express lane with 20 things when I'm in a bad mood, you just might find yourself on the pages of one of my books. And it ain't gonna be pretty.

Do you participate in competitions? Have you received any awards?

Definitely. My awards/honors include:
2009 Next Generation Book Awards Finalist
2008 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist
2008 Indie Excellence Book Award Finalist
2007 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention

What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?

I try very hard to put in a regular work day and I make deadlines for myself. Of course, I take time out for workouts, laundry, doctor appts, and basic life stuff, but I make sure I get in a few hours of writing in each weekday. I do take weekends and holidays off to let my brain run free. Though I will make notes to myself if something comes into my head that I don't want to forget about by the next work day.

Do you write on a computer? Do you print frequently? Do you correct on paper? What is your process?

Computer definitely. Though I do make handwritten notes for myself. I'm sort of a sticky-notes queen. My handwriting is really, really bad - so bad that sometimes I have a hard time deciphering it - so the computer is my number one choice for writing.

What has been your experience with publishers?

Very positive for the most part. Publishers want writers to succeed.

Though I did have an editor at a conference once ask me whether I knew the difference between a moon and a sun. Yes, she was serious. And, no, it wasn't for an "Are You Smarter Than..." game show. I guess she'd had a very long and unproductive day. I still laugh at that, especially since I've been a science geek since I could remember. I started to tell her that my grandfather's job at Cape Canaveral didn't just mean he got to work by the beach, but I smiled and thanked her and politely took my leave.

What are you working on now?

Right now I'm working on the second book in my Desert Magick series, a paranormal fantasy for adults, and doing some hands-on research in the paranormal field. I recently signed a contract with SynergEbooks for my young adult fantasy Breach of Worlds and my adult fantasy trilogy the Teadai Prophecies. Breach is scheduled for release in June 2009. And the first book in the trilogy, Deadly Fate, is scheduled for release in August 2009. I'm also editing a sci-fi novel for adults and another for teens.

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